Bill Belichick Rumors: Multiple NFL Teams Interested In Hiring Coaching Legend
Will he be tempted to leave UNC?
Although former New England Patriots head coach Bill Belichick has been adamant that his focus remains on UNC moving forward, multiple NFL teams are reportedly still pursuing Belichick for the 2026 NFL season.
NFL insider Josina Anderson revealed on Tuesday that at least two NFL teams — and possibly a third — are interested in speaking with Belichick about vacancies.
Anderson did not reveal which teams are interested in Belichick, but it’s worth nothing that only two NFL franchises have fired their head coach this season: the New York Giants and Tennessee Titans.
That doesn’t rule out other teams that might be looking to upgrade at head coach following the current season.
Rumors about Belichick possibly leaving UNC and returning to the NFL reached such a fever pitch in November, that Belichick himself felt the need to release a statement reiterating his commitment to the Tar Heels. Belichick mentioned the Giants organization, specifically, in his statement.
“It was a privilege for me to work for the Mara family and be a member of Coach Parcells’ staff for over a decade,” Belichick said. “However, despite circulating rumors, I have not and will not pursue any NFL head coaching vacancies.”
Belichick was hired on December 11, 2024, by North Carolina. His contract is reportedly for five years, with a $10 million salary each year and the first three years fully guaranteed.
If Belichick were to seek a departure from UNC before the contract ends, pundits have speculated that a buyout would likely be in the range of $20 million if UNC fired him before December 31, 2027.
The Tar Heels are 4-7 entering their final game of the season, a road battle against NC State on Saturday, November 29.
Belichick’s record with the Patriots from 2000 to 2023 was 266-121 in the regular season and 30-12 in the playoffs. He led the team to six Super Bowl victories, 17 AFC East titles, and 19 consecutive winning seasons (2001-2019).
